Post Match Thread: Election 2017

[CityStu]

That said, you do end up with something approximating a state of equilibrium. Most governments cannot go too far right or left because they become unelectable. The exception within living memory is of course Margaret Thatcher's conservatives in the 80s, where their electoral popularity was dependent principally on the outcome of the Falklands war.

Well, you end up with what we've got. Both Labour and Conservative pandering to their extreme supporters as much as they can whilst maintaining the possibility of them achieving a majority. As others have pointed out, neither May nor Corbyn were that far away from a majority.

 

[urban genie]

And if only Labour hadn't chosen the wrong brother in 2010...

They would have had a similar result probably.

 

[CitizenTID]

This was entirely unnecessary and this is the last time I'm going to say this to you.

I thought it was pretty funny

 

[Chris in London]

I'm not sure that's true, mate. Certainly in 1987. Even in 1983, the economy was starting to go through the gears.

The 83 and 87 elections saw Thatcher riding the crest of a popularity wave that started on 14 June 1982. A variety of popular but economically unnecessary policies - e.g. council house sales at massive discounts and privatisations (both involving huge financial benefits for ordinary voters at no cost to themselves - almost as if somebody was bribing students with the abolition of tuition fees) cemented that popularity. In the City the government became hugely popular after Lawson reduced the highest rate of tax from 60 to 40%.

All flowed from the Falklands.

 

[Len Rum]

With the delay in the Queen's speech the DUP can write their own ticket now.

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

The 83 and 87 elections saw Thatcher riding the crest of a popularity wave that started on 14 June 1982. A variety of popular but economically unnecessary policies - e.g. council house sales at massive discounts and privatisations (both involving huge financial benefits for ordinary voters at no cost to themselves - almost as if somebody was bribing students with the abolition of tuition fees) cemented that popularity. In the City the government became hugely popular after Lawson reduced the highest rate of tax from 60 to 40%.

All flowed from the Falklands.

It may have flowed from the Falklands, but that wasn't your contention, or at least how it appeared to me. You really need to make yourself clearer.

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

With the delay in the Queen's speech the DUP can write their own ticket now.

You must be buzzing, Len.

 

[Blue Maverick]

It seems a bit ironic now but some of the policies in their manifesto they are now dumping, grammar schools, social care, triple lock etc. Now if they hadn't put these in in the first place the tories may well have got a bigger controlling majority. On the other hand the people who have voted for them and give them the power should be mad because they voted for them on these policies if they are not to be carried out those people have been conned in a way.

 

[Len Rum]

You must be buzzing, Len.

I will luv it
LUV IT
When we beat THEM

( mortality notwithstanding)

 

[Chris in London]

It may have flowed from the Falklands, but that wasn't your contention, or at least how it appeared to me. You really need to make yourself clearer.

I like you

 

[jay_mcfc]

It seems a bit ironic now but some of the policies in their manifesto they are now dumping, grammar schools, social care, triple lock etc. Now if they hadn't put these in in the first place the tories may well have got a bigger controlling majority. On the other hand the people who have voted for them and give them the power should be mad because they voted for them on these policies if they are not to be carried out those people have been conned in a way.

I honestly believe the Tories are doing irreparable damage right now that will take a long time to heal in the eyes of the electorate. Doing a deal with DUP, manifesto u-turns, manifesto of misery, fucking up the chance of going into the Brexit discussions with a strong hand, calling the election, having the worst campaign in history, keeping on Hunt and bringing back Gove - the list is endless and it's all been caused by complacency and apathy. They've completely taken the piss out of the voters believing they only had to turn up to win and it's completely backfired. I think those people that think the Conservatives can just change their leader and a few policies and hey presto all will be fine again are in for a shock.

 

[BobKowalski]

Sirs,

Since 10pm on the 8th June I have been ailed by uncontrollable fits of laughter. Thankfully these fits are starting to abate allowing me to resume a normal life. My only concern is that the antics of PM May and her crack team over the next few months may trigger a relapse thus I would be grateful if anyone has any suggestions to avoid a recurrence.

Faithfully

Bob

 

[Chippy_boy]

They would have had a similar result probably.

Seriously doubt it. Ed lost because he was too left and uncharismatic. David is neither of those.

Corbyn is too far left still, but rising a wave of rebellion against the Tories austerity, and have been greatly aided by Theresa May's ineptitude and unlikeability.. He's still way too far left though.

 

[meltonblue]

Whilst I get the feeling of optimism from Corbyn supporters, I do find the fact the tories still won the most seats despite taking the country through years of punitive austerity measures, out of the EU and cuts to public services quite a damning indictment of the opposition.

There will always be a swing from one side to the other as everyone wants a change when the government in charge does the inevitable thing of not being able to please enough people or people get tired of it. Given how much this one has pissed people off and seriously hurt a lot of the electorate though, it really shouldn't have taken much to oust them.

 

[Vic]

Germany 2013
Votes Seats
Christian Democratic Union (CDU) 16,233,642 191
Social Democratic Party (SPD) 12,843,458 58
The Left (DIE LINKE) 3,585,178 4

Merkel won the bloody election. More votes, more seats. Like the Tories. Get over it.

I might have tried to explain the system but that dismissive and silly reply means I just have to say you simply don't understand the German electoral system. Her party (on a joint ticket with a Bavarian regional party) got 311 out of 631 seats. Anyway, the point was that coalition is the norm in many European countries that are perfectly strong and stable. You don't need a fascist dictatorship for that.

 

[Vic]

Whilst I get the feeling of optimism from Corbyn supporters, I do find the fact the tories still won the most seats despite taking the country through years of punitive austerity measures, out of the EU and cuts to public services quite a damning indictment of the opposition.]

Most people voted for the opposition. Listening to Ruth Davidson I get the feeling that even the Scottish Tories voted against the English Tories.

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

I might have tried to explain the system but that dismissive and silly reply means I just have to say you simply don't understand the German electoral system. Her party (on a joint ticket with a Bavarian regional party) got 311 out of 631 seats. Anyway, the point was that coalition is the norm in many European countries that are perfectly strong and stable. You don't need a fascist dictatorship for that.

Those who are violently opposed to a more representative democratic model always use Italy as a typical example, but always seem to forget to refer to Germany for some strange reason.

 

[CitizenTID]

Have I Got a Bit More Election News is funny.

Someone described Labour as for "Leninists and John Lennonists" haha

 

[I'm no cynic but...]

Whilst I get the feeling of optimism from Corbyn supporters, I do find the fact the tories still won the most seats despite taking the country through years of punitive austerity measures, out of the EU and cuts to public services quite a damning indictment of the opposition.

There will always be a swing from one side to the other as everyone wants a change when the government in charge does the inevitable thing of not being able to please enough people or people get tired of it. Given how much this one has pissed people off and seriously hurt a lot of the electorate though, it really shouldn't have taken much to oust them.

That may yet come to pass. Voting demographics have usually shown that older people vote Tory, middle aged people vote according to the state of their pockets, and younger people have been apathetic. In very recent times the services that the old are often reliant on have become seriously threatened and potentially costly. They have seen their pensions threatened and they have seen NHS services crumble. Then there is the middle aged group, the family man and woman, saddled with increasing housing costs and costly child care yet with incomes failing to keep track of rising prices. To them the treadmill is seemingly weighted with lead. That leaves the young who have seen their Uni fees too expensive given that they are no longer considered for housing benefit until they are 21. I pass a block of apartments near Maine Road daily and I see it invites student accommodation at £109pw. This may be affordable to those from Alderley Edge or Prestbury, but kids from the inner cities are going to be priced out. There are many other things that affect all voters but often apathy keeps many indoors but now we are in a failed State and with the country grinding to a halt while waiting for what Brexit means, there could well be a huge turnout at the next election and the ruling Tory party may well be smashed.

 

[meltonblue]

Absolutely, I think it will come to pass as it is always cyclical and I cannot see whoever is in charge through brexit lasting particularly long after it as they're guaranteed to piss off a lot of people however they do it.

I still think they could and should have been beaten already given the period they've been in charge for and what they have taken the country through.